Factors associated with career longevity and satisfaction: findings from the women’s soccer/football health study

Female athletes have long been under-represented in sports medicine research, and data on the association of surgical procedures on elite athletic careers remain limited. This study estimated career longevity and satisfaction among elite retired women football players. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey from a previously published cohort of 560 retired elite female football athletes, who provided information on playing history, surgical history, and assessments of long-term joint function, physical activity, and general health. Linear and ordinal regression analyses were used to evaluate factors associated with career longevity, career satisfaction, and post-career satisfaction. Higher competition level was associated with longer career duration (β = 2.57, <i>p</i> < 0.001), while more years since retirement was linked to shorter careers (β = -0.23, <i>p</i> = 0.018). Playing as a defender (OR: 1.71, <i>p</i> = 0.035), more years since retirement (OR: 1.03, <i>p</i> = 0.016), and better mental (OR: 1.05, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and physical health (OR: 1.04, <i>p</i> = 0.034) were associated with greater career satisfaction. Post-career satisfaction was higher with more years since retirement (OR: 1.05, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and better mental health (OR: 1.14, <i>p</i> < 0.001), while anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction during the career was linked to lower post-career satisfaction (OR: 0.50, <i>p</i> = 0.034). Retired elite women football players with more years since retirement and better mental health reported greater career and post-career satisfaction. Those with a history of ACL reconstruction reported lower post-career satisfaction, potentially due to ongoing health issues.